McKenzie, who had two spells at Mansfield Town at the start of an illustrious career, is the guest speaker at a Sportsman's Dinner in September.

SFU was set up after relegation to non league football and aims to raise upto £250,000 to invest in the Stags in return for a seat on the board of directors and the chance to buy more shares in the club.

So far the group, a merger of the four main fans organisations SSA, TM, SFFC and OSSC, has totalled £37,000 - with money from four fans who took part in the Mansfield Half Marathon still to come in.

Now it has organised the Sportsman's Dinner at the John Fretwell Centre, Sookholme, on 24th September, 7pm, as a major fundraising event to boost the total.

McKenzie played for Stags during two loan periods whilst he was at Nottingham Forest, before becoming Brian Clough's only signing during his ill-fated 44-day reign at Leeds United.

He later went on to star for Everton, Anderlecht, Chelsea and Blackburn Rovers.

Since retiring as a player he has hosted 606 on BBC Radio's 5 Live and has gained an excellent reputation on the after-dinner circuit.

The SFU Sportsman's Dinner will also include a comedian and an auction of a range of sporting memorabilia.

Tickets for the evening will be £35 and includes a three-course meal.

Ticket enquiries should be made to Richard Sharp on 07814737946 or sent to sfudinner@hotmail.com.

The SFU are also very keen to offer corporate packages for sponsorship and company tables. Contact Richard on 07814737946 for further details.

The fans group is also holding a fundraising race night at the Kings Arms on Ratcliffe Gate, Mansfield, on Friday.

Everyone is welcome to attend with the chance to buy a horse on the night and win a prize; bet on the races and also win a signed framed MTFC shirt in the raffle.